Buzz
Holstar and Dominant 1 unearth African Diamond with cross-continent collaboration
Zambia’s pioneering Hip Hop artist Holstar and Malawi’s own iconic rapper/producer Dominant 1, who have collaborated many times over the years, have now further solidified their relationship with a new EP titled African Diamond. Produced entirely by Dominant 1, the six-track cross-continent effort celebrates the African identity and unity with the truest form of black excellence possible.
African Diamond provides a modern boom-bap soundtrack for the motherland with an indigenous twist. Dominant 1’s production serves as an exciting backdrop for the commanding voices possessed by himself and Holstar, as they express their African pride and love for women across this release. He describes the experimental sound of the EP as ‘Illectric Soul’ – a mash-up of Lo-Fi Hip Hop, Trap Soul, Neo-Soul and Reggae.
The EP begins with the anthem-like title track, followed by Lost Generation, featuring Kim of Diamonds. Holstar and Dominant 1 then share gems for the grind on Dolla Circulate and inspire women to be strong and independent on Do It Yourself.
Malawian poet Q Malewezi joins the two rappers with a fitting closing poem on Africa Is, which samples The Wings of Africa by Zambian rock band Musi O Tunya. Dominant 1 says Holstar presented the classic Zambian record to him, after which he sent a beat within 30 minutes. “It was a process but we managed to clear the sample on it, which was a big thing to do,” says Holstar.
African Diamond then ends with Mulanje’s Kabompo, featuring Ariel. “The story behind Mulanje’s Kabompo is Mulanje is the tallest mountain peak in Malawi and then Kabompo is the deepest river in Zambia,” says Holstar. “So we wanted to play with that kind of saying – a love which is so deep like the deepest river in Zambia and gets you higher than the highest mountain in Malawi.”
Dominant 1 says, “We have the same fans so it was only fair that we did this EP.” Holstar and Diamond 1 have been collaborating since over a decade ago after meeting through the social network MySpace. They have featured multiple times on each other’s albums as well as other artists’ albums and mixtapes.
Holstar has been at the forefront of creating the music industry in Zambia and a vanguard in promoting and providing opportunities for fellow Zambian artists. Likewise, Dominant 1, now residing in South Africa, has played a similar role in the neighbouring Malawi as one of its leading Hip Hop artists.
Links
https://theholstar.bandcamp.com/album/african-diamond
https://audiomack.com/holstar/album/african-diamond
https://open.spotify.com/album/5GodqtPFSbCtbO0aUfk7hZ
https://music.apple.com/zm/album/african-diamond-ep/1557093875
Buzz
Wednesday, May 1 declared public holiday
Buzz
King Promise set to make history with sold-out show in Singapore
Ghanaian star King Promise is set to make history as the first Afrobeats artist to perform live in Singapore. (more…)
Buzz
I’m going to have eleven children; my late son will return – Yul Edochie
Famed Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie is making headlines with his bold declaration of his intention to expand his family, revealing plans to have a total of eleven children. (more…)
Buzz
Kofi Kinaata details reason for ditching football for music
Ghanaian Highlife singer and songwriter, Martin King Arthur, better known by the stage name Kofi Kinaata has recently revealed a surprising reason behind his career shift – from a professional footballer to a musician. (more…)
Buzz
I produced most of the biggest hit songs in Ghana last year – Beatz Vampire claims the crown ahead of TGMA 2024
Showbiz and showboating go hand in hand and Beatz Vampire is sticking to the script. As one of the industry’s most sought-after producers, he confidently declares 2023 his own and believes none of his peers even come close heading into the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2024. (more…)
- Buzz6 days ago
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
- Buzz5 days ago
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
- Buzz7 days ago
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
- People & Lifestyle3 days ago
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
- Buzz1 week ago
Family of accident victims refuses to press charges against Funny Face despite pressure
- Buzz6 days ago
Ghana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
- Gossip4 days ago
WATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
- Buzz1 week ago
I was battling Kidney Disease – Erico on Absence from music scene
- Buzz2 days ago
Kofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
- Buzz6 days ago
“Life has humbled me so much” – Mercy Johnson
- Gossip3 days ago
Gospel singer KODA passes on, after reportedly battling a kidney disease
- World News15 hours ago
Kanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio